I’ve said it before, I’ll state it again, former Philippine president Fidel V. Ramos, fondly referred to as FVR, so far still remains to be my favorite president.
I had the rare privilege of joining them in Mexico and Panama.
During his term and for a few months after his reign had ended, FVR got his fair share of criticisms. Some media people were so harsh with words when writing about FVR’s foreign travels.
Ganun talaga, there will always be someone that will not like us or hate us. Especially people in public service and people who are popular.
When we open ourselves to public scrutiny, we should be ready to take the criticisms, unsolicited advice and unwanted opinions in stride.
We cannot roar back at every person that expresses his/her opinion about us.
Lalo na ngayon, ang mga tao sobrang makapamintas kasi they are hiding behind the so-called internet.
FVR recently broke his silence about how the present government fared in the past 100 days. His insights are worth looking into because he has earned his place in this world. He knew what he was talking about. His views are objective and our country’s best interest is foremost in his mind.
I’ve been blessed to accompany him, his family, his cabinet, together with a dozen or so business leaders to most of his foreign trips abroad during his term as president. I had a first hand experience of how dedicated he was in projecting a good image of our country and people. He endeared himself to foreign leaders and businessmen and our country as a whole benefited from that. He uplifted our image in the international community. Investors came here. There was peace and stability which speared growth. The real estate boom continued. Except on the latter part, there was an Asian financial crisis which started in Thailand and hit all of Asia. 
FVR speaks. Let’s listen. Please.
